2020 Draft Profiles: QB Joe Burrow (LSU)
By John Kier
Games watched: Auburn, @Alabama, Oklahoma (CFP Playoff)
Pros:
- Has a high football IQ
- Makes great reads pre-snap and has a great understanding of defensive coverages
- Possesses deadly accuracy in the pocket and out in space, can drop the ball into a tight window (ex: 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Has deceptive speed and athleticism, can buy time with his legs (ex: 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Can go through all of his progressions on a play without issues (ex: 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Did a good job of taking care of the football last season
- His 2019 season was one of the best by a quarterback in FBS history
- Displayed good leadership throughout LSU's championship run in 2019
- Faced a lot of great NFL talent on defense during the 2019 season
- Doesn't have any "Red Flags"
Cons:
- Will be 23 years old during his rookie season
- Could be closer to his ceiling than most quarterback prospects because of his age
- Was merely an average player prior to this season
- Arm strength is merely adequate, not elite (ex: 1, 2)
- Takes too many hits from defenders (ex: 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Had NFL talent at every single offensive position group along with him last season, plus a great offensive mind as the Passing Game Coordinator in Joe Brady
Overview/NFL Comparison:
- Joe Burrow went from being the next in a line of "average" LSU quarterbacks, to being the projected top pick of the 2020 NFL draft in just one season. Throwing for 5,671 yards along with 60 touchdowns can do that. There's a lot to like about Burrow, especially when it comes to his accuracy and decision making. That being said, it's fair to be skeptical when you consider that Burrow's NFL team (most likely the Cincinnati Bengals) won't offer him the same great cast that he had at LSU in 2019. With that being said, I liked enough of what I saw from Burrow on tape to think that he has the tools to succeed in the NFL. How great he can be will be determined heavily by the team he is taken by in my opinion. A common NFL comparison I have seen for Burrow is Tony Romo and I think that is perfect if Burrow is able maximize his potential. On the other side, I could see Burrow winding up like David Carr if the team he is drafted by doesn't get him much in the way of help on offense.
